Participants in the xvi General Ordinary Assembly of the Synod of Bishops

The names of participants in the 16th Ordinary General Assembly were released during a Holy See Press conference on Friday morning, 7 July. The list includes both bishops and lay representatives of the People of God, recommended by the continental Episcopal Conferences. “Now they will have to begin their work to prepare for the Assembly”, said Cardinal Mario Grech, Secretary General of the Synod.

Bishop Luis Marín de San Martín, Undersecretary of the Synod, highlighted that the list of names is the fruit of a process that began in 2021, not of an isolated event. Indeed, because it is a spiritual event, the Synod will begin with a three-day retreat to prepare to listen, dialogue and discern, and to pray together, so that the Assembly will reflect the Church’s unity and plurality. Using a musical metaphor, the Bishop explained that the Synod should be harmonious, expressed in unity; polyphonous, reflected in the variety of sensibilities and voices; and lastly, symphonic, to show the beauty of the Gospel.

Sr Nathalie Becquart, Undersecretary of the Synod, spoke of the “continuous process” of the Synod. Indeed, because synodal consultations had highlighted the importance of young people’s involvement in this process, she said, Synod organizers will participate in this year’s World Youth Day in Lisbon.

For the complete list of participants (available in Italian) please visit https://www.synod.va/en/news/list-of-the-participants-to-the-xvi-general-ordinary-assembly-of.html